Abstract: A sterilizable pouch includes at least one sheet, wherein outer peripheral edges of the at least one sheet are sealed together to define a pouch having an interior space for receiving an article therein. A first releasable seam spans between a first peripheral edge of the at least one sheet to a second, opposite, peripheral edge of the at least one sheet, the first releasable seam dividing the at least one sheet into a first sheet part and a second sheet part. A second releasable seam and a third releasable seam each substantially span from a third peripheral edge of the at least one sheet to a fourth, opposite, peripheral edge of the at least one sheet and along the first peripheral edge and the second peripheral edge, respectively.

Abstract: A test instrument and a method for producing a test instrument used to evaluate a cleaning, disinfection and/or drying processes of internal flexible channels includes obtaining a medical instrument having a flexible probe section configured for insertion into a body, the flexible probe section including at least one internal flexible channel and at least one external device port, and attaching an access device between the at least one external device port and the at least one internal flexible channel to enable selective access into the internal flexible channel.

Abstract: A sterilizable pouch includes at least one sheet, wherein outer peripheral edges of the at least one sheet are sealed together to define a pouch having an interior space for receiving an article therein. A first releasable seam spans between a first peripheral edge of the at least one sheet to a second, opposite, peripheral edge of the at least one sheet, the first releasable seam dividing the at least one sheet into a first sheet part and a second sheet part. A second releasable seam and a third releasable seam each substantially span from a third peripheral edge of the at least one sheet to a fourth, opposite, peripheral edge of the at least one sheet and along the first peripheral edge and the second peripheral edge, respectively.

Abstract: A test instrument and a method for producing a test instrument used to evaluate a cleaning, disinfection and/or drying processes of internal flexible channels includes obtaining a medical instrument having a flexible probe section configured for insertion into a body, the flexible probe section including at least one internal flexible channel and at least one external device port, and attaching an access device between the at least one external device port and the at least one internal flexible channel to enable selective access into the internal flexible channel.

Abstract: A cap assembly for attachment to an equalization port on an endoscope, comprising a tubular housing defining an internal chamber, a mounting section releasably attached to the housing in fluid-tight fashion and attachable to the equalization port of an endoscope, wherein the internal chamber communicates with the equalization port; a barrier layer formed of a reactive material disposed within the internal chamber, a first cavity defined between the barrier layer and a first end of the housing; a second cavity defined between the barrier layer and the mounting section, the second cavity dimensioned to receive an indicator test strip that is capable of detecting a gaseous germicide; and a filter layer disposed between the barrier layer and the first end of the housing.

Abstract: A cap assembly for attachment to an equalization port on an endoscope, comprising a tubular housing defining an internal chamber, a mounting section releasably attached to the housing in fluid-tight fashion and attachable to the equalization port of an endoscope, wherein the internal chamber communicates with the equalization port; a barrier layer formed of a reactive material disposed within the internal chamber, a first cavity defined between the barrier layer and a first end of the housing; a second cavity defined between the barrier layer and the mounting section, the second cavity dimensioned to receive an indicator test strip that is capable of detecting a gaseous germicide; and a filter layer disposed between the barrier layer and the first end of the housing.

Abstract: A system and process that awards rewards currency, e.g. cash back rebate or rewards points, for credit card and check card purchases and that provides rewards for a customer's enterprise relationship is provided. Further provided is a methodology for enrollment into the combined rewards program or the relationship rewards program. Further provided is a methodology to show total combined points or cash earned where the points or amount of cash earned are parsed into the various accounts and purchases. Further provided is a methodology to communicate the currency earned by providing customers with periodic statements and newsletters, data online, and data through customer service representatives. Further provided is a mechanism by which to systematically enroll eligible products or services as defined by the enterprise, e.g. where the eligibility may be based on social security numbers or other unique customer numbers.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system (26) for an automated processor (A) delivers washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids to spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) in a chamber (12) for sequentially spraying the fluids over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. Sets of nozzles are operated in sequence to avoid the spray jets canceling each other out. The endoscope is supported on a rack (21) which is agitated by an activation system (330). This ensures ever changing points of contact between the device and the rack so that all external surfaces are contacted by the spray. A computer control system (80) controls cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, and agitation of the rack at appropriate times, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system (26) for an automated processor (A) delivers washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids to spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) in a chamber (12) for sequentially spraying the fluids over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. The fluid delivery system also delivers the fluids to connection ports (150, 152, 154) which connect with internal passages (187) of the device for delivering the fluids thereto. Leaking connectors (184) connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports (196) of the device and allow a portion of the washing, decontaminant, and rinsing solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system (80) controls cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing.

Abstract: A method of washing, microbially decontaminating, and rinsing of a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope includes positioning the device in a chamber (12) of an automated processor (A). Spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) within the chamber sequentially spray washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids over the device. Fluid connection ports (150, 152, 154) connect with internal passages (187) of the device for delivering the fluids thereto. Leaking connectors (184) connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports (196) of the device and allow a portion of the washing, decontaminant, and rinse solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system (80) controls leak testing, cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system (26) for an automated processor (A) delivers washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids to spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) in a chamber (12) for sequentially spraying the fluids over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. Sets of nozzles are operated in sequence to avoid the spray jets canceling each other out. The endoscope is supported on a rack (21) which is agitated by an activation system (330). This ensures ever changing points of contact between the device and the rack so that all external surfaces are contacted by the spray. A computer control system (80) controls cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, and agitation of the rack at appropriate times, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing.